Air Fryer Gnocchi

Introducing the ultimate Air Fryer Gnocchi recipe! Just ONE package of store-bought gnocchi is all you need to make the best crispy appetizer in an ENDLESS variety of dipping sauces and delicious flavor combinations.

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These crispy and buttery gnocchi bites require just afew basic ingredients and are a lot easier to make than you may think. If cooking homemade gnocchi intimidates you, then this tutorial is exactly what you need to get started! I’m sharing all my best tips, and I’ll walk you through each step, so you can air fry the perfect batch.

Plus, this basic air fryer recipe actually comes with a variety of ways to flavor them! You can choose traditional Parmesan garlic or spicy Cajun, serve them with marinara or pesto. And more! Let’s get started, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe turns basic store-bought gnocchi into something snackable, comforting, and seriously addictive in under 20 minutes.

Perfect texture: Crisp edges on the outside with a soft, chewy center that feels so satisfying.

Fast cooking: No boiling water, no draining, no mess, just toss and cook.

Minimal ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make it shine.

Super versatile: Works as a snack, side dish, or base for sauces and toppings.

Beginner-friendly: No tricky steps, even if you are new to air frying.

Crowd-pleasing: Everyone ends up grabbing extra pieces straight from the bowl.

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Ingredients

For the Air Fryer Gnocchi:

• 1 pound shelf-stable or refrigerated potato gnocchi
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika or Italian seasoning

Optional Toppings:

• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red chili flakes
• Fresh parsley or basil
• Butter or garlic butter
• Marinara or pesto for dipping

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F. Giving it a few minutes to heat up helps the gnocchi crisp quickly instead of steaming. While it warms up, grab a large bowl so you can season everything evenly without crowding.

2. Season the Gnocchi

Add the gnocchi to the bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well so every piece gets lightly coated. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix again until the seasoning sticks to all sides. The gnocchi should look lightly glossy, not drenched.

3. Arrange in the Basket

Place the seasoned gnocchi into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Leave a little space between pieces so hot air can circulate. If your basket feels full, cook in two batches for the best crunch.

4. Air Fry Until Golden

Cook for 10 minutes, then pause and shake the basket to flip the gnocchi. Slide the basket back in and cook for another 6 to 8 minutes. They should look golden, crisp, and slightly puffed when ready.

5. Finish and Season Again

Transfer the hot gnocchi to a serving bowl. While they are still warm, add Parmesan, herbs, or a pinch of chili flakes. Toss gently so everything melts and sticks. Taste one and adjust seasoning if needed.

Tips & Variations

A few small tweaks can completely change the vibe of this recipe.

Extra crispy: Add one more teaspoon of oil and cook an extra 2 minutes.

Cheesy version: Toss with shredded mozzarella and air fry 2 more minutes until melted.

Garlic butter style: Melt butter with minced garlic and toss with hot gnocchi.

Herb-forward: Add dried oregano, thyme, or rosemary before cooking.

Spicy kick: Sprinkle cayenne or smoked chili powder into the seasoning mix.

Serving Suggestions

Air Fryer Gnocchi works in so many ways depending on your mood. Serve it as a snack with warm marinara or creamy garlic dip on the side. Pile it into a bowl and drizzle pesto on top for a quick lunch that feels a little fancy.

When dinner feels rushed, I like serving it alongside grilled chicken or roasted veggies. It also makes a great salad topper, adding crunch and comfort to a bowl of greens. Everyone always asks how it gets so crispy without boiling first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to boil the gnocchi first?

No, straight from the package works perfectly in the air fryer.

Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, add 2 to 3 extra minutes and shake the basket more often.

Why are mine not crispy?

Crowding the basket usually causes that. Cook in batches and use enough oil.

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, keep them in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.

Does this work with gluten-free gnocchi?

It does, though texture may vary slightly depending on the brand.

What air fryer size works best?

Any size works as long as you avoid stacking too many pieces.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Gnocchi proves that simple ingredients can turn into something exciting with the right method. That crispy outside and soft center combo never gets old, and the whole recipe feels effortless once you try it once.